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Donald Michael Kehoe

Donald Michael Kehoe, age 68 of Houlton, died unexpectedly February 19th 2021, surrounded by his wife and children at United Hospital. Don was born on April 8, 1952 in Freeport, Illinois; the son of Robert and Elizabeth Kehoe. He was raised Freeport where he attended St. Mary’s Parochial School prior to graduating from Freeport High School. Following high school, he enlisted in the armed forces and proudly served in the United States Navy. Here, he received training in electrical engineering and worked on a hospital ship overseeing their radar. Upon his return, he would marry the former Pam Tricker in 1979. To this union, children Eric and Katy were born. This union would later dissolve. He began a long and rewarding career with 3M. He worked as an electrical engineer retiring after 37 years as a special systems engineer. On September 15, 1990, he was united in marriage to Julie Melde in Stillwater. To this union, children Travis and Sarah were born.

Don was a music aficionado. He could play the guitar, whether a traditional or an electric guitar. He could play acoustic without music and was known to add the harmonica to his mix. He had an ear for melody and especially loved blues music. Little Feat, Sonny Landreth, and Stevie Ray Vaughn were some of his favorites. Later in life, he enjoyed time spent with his friends playing at local venues for the band BLT. When he wasn’t strumming a guitar, you could usually find him in his garden making sure everything was just right. Friends and family were often treated to his prized hot peppers and if lucky enough, his homemade salsa! He also enjoyed his fruit trees which helped him bake some incredible pies and jellies and from which he made his own beer and wine. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid runner who participated in several marathons. He also found tranquility in a good bike ride, canoeing, camping on the north shore or simply walking his dogs in the Willow River State Park. Don was also gifted as a carpenter. He built pergolas for his yard, horse shelters, and a greenhouse to start his vegetable seeds early!

Don will remain in the hearts of his wife Julie; children Eric (Kathleen) Kehoe, Katy (Dan) Pantages, Travis (Paige) Kehoe, Sarah Kehoe; grandchildren Anna, Jack, Quinn, Sean, Joey, Eddy, Betsy; siblings Gerry Kehoe, Eleanor (Fred) Wells, Pat (Jan) Kehoe, John, Tom (Lisa) Kehoe, Ann (Kirk) Holmes, Mary Kehoe, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Becky Kehoe. Don will fondly be remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends.

A PRIVATE LIVESTREAMED Celebration of Life for Donald will be 1PM Saturday, February 27th. Click here to watch (Passcode: Kehoe). A public celebration of Life (All are welcomed to attend) will follow from 2pm to 4pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home; 520 So. 11th Street in Hudson. Interment will be private. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family and can be sent to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 So. 11th Street, Hudson, WI 54016.

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